Dominika Banevič, a rising teenage breaking star, aims to make Olympic history.
Exposed to breaking through cartoons online, the Lithuanian teen now prepares for her debut at the Paris Games as the reigning world champion. Dominika Banevič, known as B-Girl Nicka, triumphed over 90 B-girls in Belgium in 2023, solidifying her place among the sport’s elite.
Banevič, driven and confident, is not your typical 17-year-old. She inspires her nation with her achievements, representing Lithuania with pride. Despite Lithuania’s modest Olympic success, Banevič carries the hopes of her country, which has only won six gold medals since 1990. The last Lithuanian Olympic gold was in 2012, and Banevič strives to end that drought.
The teen speaks passionately about the honor of representing Lithuania. She believes that no matter where you come from, achieving greatness is possible. Banevič’s journey began when she was captivated by breaking videos on YouTube at five years old. She soon started replicating the moves she saw, despite being too young for formal classes. Her persistence paid off when she began breaking classes at eight years old, quickly becoming obsessed with the sport.
Her first coach, Jegenij Kirjanov, laid the foundation for her success. Though their partnership lasted only three years, Banevič considers Kirjanov an idol. She describes her style as a traditional, 90s-inspired approach to breaking. Banevič started in two-on-two competitions in Vilnius but transitioned to solo competitions, becoming the first B-girl to win the national championship in 2020.
However, her road to the Olympics wasn’t smooth. In the 2023 European Games, Banevič narrowly missed qualifying for Paris, losing by one point in the semifinals. This defeat fueled her determination, and she vowed to win the world championships in September. Her mental preparation paid off as she clinched the world title, securing her spot at the Olympics.
Banevič’s ultimate goal is to write history by winning an Olympic medal. Currently ranked third in the women’s World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) rankings, she is one of the frontrunners to become the first B-girl to win gold at the Olympics. She acknowledges the rarity of young athletes at the top of their sport but emphasizes that age doesn’t matter in breaking. What truly counts is lifestyle and daily dedication.
The future of breaking in the Olympics remains uncertain, as it’s not included in the 2028 Los Angeles program. However, the WDSF is working to ensure its inclusion in Brisbane 2032. Despite this, Banevič focuses on her career, whether it extends to future Olympics or not. She has taken a gap year from school to train rigorously, dedicating six hours a day to breaking and working on strength and conditioning with her physio.
Though the preparation is grueling, Banevič enjoys every minute of it. Her passion drives her, and she believes that when you do what you love, the exhaustion is worth it. As she continues her journey, Dominika Banevič remains fully committed to her dream of Olympic glory.